Match Report for Lytchett Minster 1 Vs Kingsclere on 13 Mar 2004
Lytchett Show Patience and Resolve
Lytchett Minster hosted bottom of the table Kingsclere at the weekend, knowing that defeat could spell disaster in the relegation battle. However, a win would almost certainly put Lytchett safe.
The weather conditions were terrible, with a strong wind blowing straight down the field. Lytchett won the toss and decided to play against the wind in the first half. With the wind, Kingsclere pressurised Lytchett and were soon on the score sheet when their blind side flanker powered through two tackles to score from close range. The try was converted and the away team had a 0 - 7 points lead. Their lead was soon increased when a penalty was converted and Lytchett trailing by 0 - 10 were starting the wobble.
Oggy Wayman playing on the Lytchett flank started the Lytchett revival with some powerful runs. Despite the wind, Lytchett managed to camp in the Kingsclere twenty-two and subjected the away team to a lesson in scrumaging. Training with their new scrum machine had paid dividends for Lytchett and their scrum went forward on every occasion. Despite Kingsclere losing their footing on their own line for three scrums in a row, Kingsclere managed to survive the onslaught without conceding any points and at half time the score was 0 - 10 to the away side.
Lytchett were now playing with the wind and the advantage was obvious from the kick off. Kingsclere found it hard to clear their lines and the mounting pressure was beginning to tell. Following three phases of play, winger Daryl Cormack was set loose and had a straight sprit to the line. Despite three defenders closing in, Daryl found his 'pace of old' and dived into the corner to score. The conversion was missed, but Lytchett were starting to show some dominance. On came second row Jason Bowie to great effect, as within five minutes he had smashed through a wall of Kingsclere players to score under the posts. Fellow second rower Oz Goldchain converted the try and Lytchett were leading for the first time in the match, 12 - 10.
Bowie was providing extra power in the scrum, which allowed Lytchett to pressurise the opposition pack. This forwards dominance calumniated in Lytchett pushing over for a try from eight yards out, with veteran scrum half Nigel Lockyer claiming the try. The conversion was missed, but Lytchett were a try and conversion clear, 17 - 10, with ten minutes still left to play.
Lytchett took their foot off the gas and were nearly undone in the last minute. Kingsclere broke free and found space down the left, it was a straight foot race to the line, which their winger won. This stunned the large Lytchett crowd, as they knew that if the resulting kick was converted from far out on the left the game would be tied. The crowd was relieved to see the kick missed. Lytchett played out the final minutes in their opponents half and were thankful to hear the final whistle, the final score being 17 - 15.
Vince Ward was part of the large Lytchett crowd and said "That was one of the most enjoyable games I have seen for a very long time. The intensity of both teams was great to see. It is always hard playing in conditions like this, as you don't know whether you'll be able to make the points up in the second half. With Hamble dropping out of the league at the start of the season it might mean that only one team will be going down this year. If that is the case the win today has put us safe. If two teams are for the chop, we have to win in three weeks time against Fleet away to guarantee staying up, as Overton could in theory still catch us.".
